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Karela Fry, also known as Bitter Gourd Fry, is a popular Indian side dish known for its distinctive, slightly bitter taste and crispy texture. Despite its bitterness, Karela Fry is loved by many for its unique flavour and numerous health benefits. The dish is made by slicing bitter gourd into thin pieces, marinating it with spices, and frying it until golden and crisp. It is commonly enjoyed as an accompaniment to dal (lentils) and rice or as a side dish with roti (Indian flatbread).

What sets Karela Fry apart is the careful preparation that balances the bitterness of the karela with the rich flavours of the spices. The bitter gourd slices are often soaked in salt water or turmeric water with lemon juice to reduce their bitterness before cooking. They are then marinated with a blend of spices such as turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, rice flour, gram flour and sometimes amchur (dried mango powder) for a tangy kick. The marinated slices are fried until they become crispy and golden brown. Some variations of the recipe also include onions, garlic, or a sprinkle of jaggery to add sweetness and depth to the dish. Here we are not adding any of these as many people love to eat without the sweetness. The result is a flavourful and crispy dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Beyond its delicious taste, Karela Fry is highly valued for its health benefits. Bitter gourd is known for its medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium, and is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar-regulating properties. Consuming bitter gourd can aid in digestion, improve skin health, and help manage diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. The use of spices in Karela Fry not only enhances the flavour but also adds to the health benefits, making this dish a nutritious addition to any meal.

See also Rajma Masala

Karela Fry is more than just a tasty side dish; it represents the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Indian cooking. The ability to transform a naturally bitter vegetable into a delicious and appealing dish showcases the skill and creativity of Indian chefs and home cooks. The use of traditional techniques to reduce bitterness and enhance flavour reflects the deep culinary heritage and knowledge passed down through generations. Karela Fry is a testament to the versatility of Indian cuisine, where even the most challenging ingredients are celebrated and transformed into something delicious.

In essence, Karela Fry embodies the essence of Indian cooking, where bold flavours and health benefits go hand in hand. Its preparation, involving careful marination and frying, highlights the importance of technique and seasoning in Indian cuisine. The resulting dish, with its crispy texture and balanced bitterness, is a delightful way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of bitter gourd. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, Karela Fry adds a unique and flavourful element to any meal.

In conclusion, Karela Fry is a beloved Indian dish that combines the unique taste of bitter gourd with rich spices and a crispy texture. Its preparation and health benefits make it a favourite among those who appreciate nutritious and flavourful foods. By showcasing the ability to transform a bitter vegetable into a delectable dish, Karela Fry highlights the creativity and skill inherent in Indian cooking. Whether enjoyed with rice, roti, or as a standalone snack, Karela Fry continues to be a cherished part of Indian culinary traditions, offering both taste and health benefits in every bite.

Karela Fry

Table of Contents

Savor the crispy and flavourful delight of Karela Fry, a traditional Indian dish made from bitter gourd (karela) sliced thin and fried to perfection. Seasoned with a blend of spices like turmeric, chili powder, and coriander, this dish balances the natural bitterness of karela with savoury and spicy notes. Perfect as a side dish with roti or rice, Karela Fry offers a unique and healthy addition to your meal. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and bold flavours of Karela Fry, a dish that transforms the humble bitter gourd into a delicious treat.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Resting Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course, Snack

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 People

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

Chopper Board
Knife
Steel Kadhai
Spatula
Measuring Cups
Non-Stick Pan

Ingredients

500 gms Bitter Gourd
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Turmeric Powder
4 tsp Lemon Juice
1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
1½ tsp Coriander Powder
1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
¼ cup Rice Flour
¼ cup Besan (gram flour)
¼ cup Cashews
1 tbsp Oil
6 nos Green Chilli
15 nos Curry leaves

Instructions

Wash and clean 500 gms Bitter Gourd and the slice into round pieces.
Remove the seeds from it. Collect in a bowl.
Add 2 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Turmeric Powder and 4 tsp Lemon Juice. Mix it thoroughly. Toss a little and mix it.
Close with lid and rest it for 30 minutes.
Drain the water from the bowl.
Now add 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste, 1½ tsp Coriander Powder, and 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder. Mix them together.
Now add ¼ cup Rice Flour and ¼ cup Besan (gram flour). Mix it well so that each piece of Bitter Gourd is having a layer of this flour.
In a pan heat oil and fry ¼ cup Cashews until crunchy and collect in a plate.
Now one by one add the coated Bitter Gourd as much as they can be easily fried for frying.
Fry on high flame for 5 minutes. Stir in between and turn the pieces for evenly frying.
Remove and collect in a plate. Repeat for all the pieces.
In a nonstick pan take 1 tbsp Oil and heat on low flame.
Add 6 nos Green Chilli and 15 nos Curry leaves. Fry them for 2 minutes or until they are crunchy.
Transfer them to fried bitter gourd pieces. Add Fried Cashews too.
Mix them all together in a plate or transferring it to a bowl. Karela Fry is ready.